Police have been patrolling businesses and issued a warning to parents after “significant reports” of anti-social behaviour in a Wiltshire town.
On Friday, April 12, Wiltshire Police announced a Section 35 Dispersal Order for Warminster town centre that would last for 48 hours, until 4pm on Sunday.
This measure was designed to drive down anti-social behaviour and youth crime after concerns were raised by the community.
During the dispersal order, officers from the Warminster policing teams have carried out patrols through the town centre, including checking in with local businesses.
On Friday evening, PCSO Leigh Holcombe and PC Guy Hamel visited Lidl, where a shoplifting incident was reported, B&M, where entry was refused to a known shoplifter, and Morrisons.
Police say the officers moved on a group of young people who were playing football outside Morrisons and engaged with the same group about various issues.
A walk-around was also conducted through the High Street, and businesses were made aware of the dispersal order and encouraged to report offenders.
Officers urged parents to keep track of their children at night.
A spokesperson said: “If your child is under the age of 16 and isn’t home yet – start giving them a call/text asking them to return, it’s late and it’s getting dark, there’s no reason to be out past this time.”
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